Police must be sensitive to people's right: CM Hooda

Panchkula, July 2: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said the police must not only be sensitive to people's rights, but also responsive to them.

Police should be sensitised to protect the rights of every citizen, he said while delivering the inaugural address at a seminar organised by Haryana Human Rights Commission here.

Police must protect the rights and interests of all, specially of weaker segments of the society such as women, children, elderly, workers, juveniles and convicts as well as undertrials, he said. "Our approach to the issue is guided by the principle that a prisoner does not cease to be a citizen just because he has become a prisoner," he said.

He hoped that the State Human Rights Commission would work in close coordination with members of civil society to ensure a bright and just future of the people, particularly those who are vulnerable.

The Chief Minister said Haryana government has not only taken concrete measures to protect the rights of women, but also launched many schemes to promote their welfare and ensure their empowerment.

The Haryana State Commission for Women has been granted statutory status, he said, adding that the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes is also being set up to safeguard the rights and interests of those belonging to scheduled castes.

Apart from this, sensitising its duty towards children, the state government has taken a slew of measures, including 'right to education', launch of 'students' legal literacy mission' and stringent steps against child labour. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also been set up, Hooda said.

"It is a matter of great satisfaction that the structure of our democracy rests on the strong pillars of independent judiciary, bold media, an assertive civil society and independent human rights bodies. These include the National Human Rights Commission, National Commissions for Women, Children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Minorities and State Human Rights Commissions," Hooda said.

The Chief Minister complemented Justice Vijender Jain, the chairman of Haryana Human Rights Commission for organising an important seminar.

Speaking at this seminar, Justice Jain said the objective to set up a Human Rights Commission was to ensure transparency and sensitisation in governance. Director General of Police, S N Vashist assured that the police is alert against violation of human rights in its daily functioning and said, prompt action would be taken if any cases of violation came to its knowledge.

"We are trying to ensure transparent and accountable police administration in the state," he added.

PTI